Business, general

Professional temporary agencies, women and professional discretion: implications for organizations and management

Article Abstract:

It is very important for companies and managers to consider why there are more women than men working through professional temporary agencies. It is possible to argue that differences between men and women in perceptions of control over working conditions are the driving force behind this trend. Women regard working through professional temporary agencies as a way of exerting more control over their working life, and are prepared to accept reduced prospects for promotion in order to gain this level of control. It is possible that the growing feminization of the professional workforce will put pressure on companies to address women's perceptions about lack of control.

A management culture revolution for the new century?

Article Abstract:

The challenges of management in the 21st century can be addressed by combining Chinese and Western concepts. Significant developments such as changes in the global economic center, the growth of science and technology and the trend toward sustainable development are expected to have an impact on management culture. The West can learn from China and vice versa by adopting approaches wherever appropriate. Merging Western and Chinese traditions will create a new management culture that will provide an impetus for economic and social development in the 21st century.

Organizations and nations: from universalism to institutionalism?

Article Abstract:

Recent management study has given increasing attention to the impact of national culture and national systems on developments within organisations. This approach has an impact on the traditional division between strategy and organisation studies. New research indicates that focusing on societal contingencies is too narrow an approach, and that there is a need for a multi-level approach which places the organisation in its contexts and also takes into account the ways in which organisations move across regional and national boundaries.